Missouri House Bill HB1921

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Establishes the Clemency Advisory Board

Impact

If passed, HB 1921 would have significant implications for the state's criminal justice system, particularly in how clemency is granted. The formation of the Clemency Advisory Board could lead to more consistent decision-making by providing a structured approach to evaluating clemency requests. This change is particularly relevant for those serving long sentences, as it could potentially offer them opportunities for relief based on a more systematic review process.

Summary

House Bill 1921 seeks to establish a Clemency Advisory Board in order to provide recommendations on applications for clemency made to the governor. The bill comes in response to concerns regarding the clemency process and aims to standardize how clemency is applied and managed across the state. The creation of the board is intended to ensure that recommendations are made based on established criteria, thus promoting a more transparent and fair clemency process.

Contention

The bill has generated discussions regarding its potential impact on the power dynamics between the governor and the newly established board. Critics argue that the creation of this advisory board may dilute the governor's authority in making individual clemency decisions. There are also concerns about how members of the advisory board would be appointed, and whether this process could lead to bias or favoritism in its recommendations. Proponents, however, believe that the board will ensure that clemency decisions are made based on objective criteria rather than arbitrary judgments.